The hopes of thousands of Nigerian youths aiming to relocate to the United Kingdom for work or study have been severely shaken following the unveiling of the UK’s new Immigration White Paper, which proposes sweeping reforms to cut net migration by 100,000 annually.
The policy document, titled “Restoring Control over the Immigration System,” was presented on Monday by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and outlines proposed changes that would tighten visa requirements for skilled workers, international students, and family reunification.
Though the White Paper is not yet law, its contents have sparked anxiety among Nigerians, with many now reconsidering their plans amid rising costs and more restrictive entry routes.
Among the proposed measures are higher income thresholds for skilled workers, a 10-year path to settlement, reduced post-study work visa durations, and the closure of new social care visas — a route heavily relied upon by many Nigerian migrants.
“There’s a global message in this document: countries are becoming more selective,” said Dr. Oyedele Ogundana, a senior lecturer at Nottingham Trent University. “Nigerians need to critically assess their relocation plans and consider alternative destinations such as Germany, Portugal, Canada, and Australia, which offer more accommodating policies.”
One particularly controversial clause in the paper aims to prevent courts from halting deportations under human rights grounds, stating, “Legislation will be brought in to make clear that the government and parliament, not courts, determine who should stay.”
The reforms also impose stricter compliance benchmarks on universities, increase sponsor fees, and propose a levy on income from international students to fund local skills development.
Legal experts warn of a possible impact on current migrants in the UK. “Existing contracts may not be renewed, especially in the care sector,” said London-based Nigerian attorney Mrs. Efuru Nwapa. “Nigerians must upskill and ensure they meet new criteria.”
She also noted the rising financial barriers, with reservation funds for students increasing to nearly ₦50 million, up from ₦28 million, making UK education less accessible for many.
Social media platforms were flooded with reactions from disillusioned Nigerians. “The same people who colonised us are now building walls against us,” one user, J Adams, posted on X (formerly Twitter). Another user, Allan Lawrence, remarked, “They want our tuition, but not our presence.”
While some see the policy as a wake-up call, others believe it’s a cycle that may reverse in time. “These reforms are not unusual. In a few years, they may reverse them due to labour shortages,” a user, Ade BusyTee, wrote on Facebook.
For now, however, the message from the UK appears clear: tougher times lie ahead for Nigerians eyeing relocation, as the Labour-led government prioritises domestic workforce needs and seeks to reduce immigration pressure on public services.
The White Paper is open for feedback, and a formal bill is expected to be presented to the UK Parliament later this year. Until then, uncertainty looms large for prospective Nigerian migrants.
